Ten states have filed lawsuits against the Federal EPA, asking that the EPA be FORCED to write higher gas mileage standards for SUVs and trucks. Now, I can understand that the US has a big problem with its vehicle fleet (which has a high proportion of gas guzzling vehicles), but exactly how does raising the CAFE numbers solve anything? The high gasoline prices are killing SUV sales, and people are adjusting their driving habits to adjust to rising fuel prices. So is this lawsuit mostly just politicians trying to appear to be doing something? When you sue the US government, who pays the costs?
How long ago did this ball get rolling?
That may be the key.
I vote for “politicians trying to look useful.” I mean, what conceivable grounds does this lawsuit have? Since when does the EPA take orders from state governments?
The Feds tell the states that they cannot write laws that exceed the federal standard. So then, the states either: 1)write thier own laws and force a SCOTUS case over the original issue, or 2) go along with federal supremacy and sue the feds tho make the federal law tighter.
Whenever a judge tells them to:
Federal Court Overturns Bush Clean Air Rule
EPA Forced to Turn Over Documents on Controversial Mercury Program